Israelis march in the Jerusalem Day parade

Wednesday, June 04, 2008 |
staff writer

Following the paths of their early pioneers, Israelis rode on an array of antique tractors throughout the streets of Jerusalem on Tuesday. President Shimon Peres himself mounted a tractor in the annual Jerusalem Day parade as Israelis celebrated 41 years since the reunification of Jerusalem.

Viewers cheered on the president as he led the “Pioneers Salute to Jerusalem” parade.

More than 25,000 visitors flocked to Jerusalem to mark the anniversary when Israeli forces captured the eastern part of the Jewish capital during the Six-Day War in 1967.

Attendees were made up of orthodox and secular from kibbutzim, moshavim, youth groups and schools from all over the country who waved their Israeli flags with pride.

“A lot of times you see in the media all the bombs and people protesting against things [in Jerusalem],” said Noa Kami from the Negev. “It really makes me happy to see different kinds of people come here because they love the country and Jerusalem. It warms the heart.”

A group of Canadians who volunteer for Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s national emergency medical service, displayed their Zionistic support of Israel by marching for Jerusalem.

“It's nice to be at a parade where people actually care,” said Zack Seifer, a MDA volunteer.

Want more news from Israel?Click Here to sign up for our FREE daily email updates